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Connecticut tribes 'days away' from unveiling casino site to compete with MGM Springfield

Plans for a third Connecticut casino - one just across the state line with Massachusetts - are expected to be announced in coming days.

"There is draft language in the hands of the legislature," Kevin Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe told the Associated Press on Thursday. "We have to get it passed this session. We are at the 11th hour."

Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes formalized a partnership in 2015 to construct a third tribal casino in the state. The tribes say the joint casino will be smaller than Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino and is expected to cost between $200 million and $300 million.

The latest gambling venture is expected to compete directly with MGM Springfield, and has received support from the legislature in Connecticut as a means to keep casino revenue within the Constitution State.

The new casino was authorized by a gaming act signed by Gov. Dannel Malloy in 2015. Now the tribes await approval by the state's General assembly.

MGM Resorts International attempted to block the effort by filing suit against Connecticut state officials, arguing the 2015 tribal gaming act showed showed discriminatory favoritism Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes. A federal judge last summer dismissed the company's lawsuit, siding with the state.

MGM Springfield is scheduled to open a $950 million casino in September of 2018.